It's coins that look like this that got me interested in collecting gold from shipwrecks. This 1865 double eagle was newly minted in San Francisco when it wound up at the bottom of the Pacific that same July.

The sidewheel steamer SS Brother Jonathan was carrying a cargo of gold from San Francisco to Portland when it sank in stormy seas shortly after leaving a stopover at Crescent City. Of the over 240 passengers and crew on board, only 1 lifeboat of 19 people made it safely to shore. For weeks afterwards, bodies would wash up on the shore.

What I like is that this coin looks like it was produced yesterday. There are no marks to indicate that it went through a violent shipwreck or sat on the bottom of the ocean for 130 years, and no wear to show that it is over 140 years old. The coin looks brand new.

You can read more about the shipwreck and the reason why this coin survived in such great condition at: http://acdwyer.com/ssbj_pg1.aspx .

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Comments

John, 4 years agohow much is one like this worth i have one i want to sell

Richard, 4 years agoAn 1865 BroJo in this condition is currently worth $12,000-14,000

pollypocket, 4 years agoThis is an absolutely gorgeous coin! I would love to have 1 but I don't have 12-14000 dollars lying around!

AC_Dwyer, 4 years agoThe last 1865-S to be auctioned at Heritage from the SS Brother Jonathan in this condition sold for over $20,000. (Lot # 1788 on Sept. 10, 2009)

Richard, 4 years ago@AC
For $20K, that is great news for BroJo owners. I'm holding on to mine.

EricB , 4 years agoAC-Dwyer...went to Heritage website, there's no record of any SS Brother Jonathan coin selling in lot 1788 for $20,000...let alone any SS Brother Jonathan coin in that lot at all.... please explain?!? Or show proof.

You will have to register with their website (it's free) and then log on if you want to see the sale price. If you are still having trouble finding the lot, pick up the phone and call their 800 # and ask them.